Research Paper on:
Pet Therapy Proposa

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
and that the specifics of the animal-human bond vary according to a number of variables (Risley-Curtiss, Holly and Wolf, 2006). According to Sherrill (2005), pet therapy programs are used primarily  in regards to assistive living facilities for the elderly and in psychiatric facilities. However, the literature suggests that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could have utility in diverse therapeutic situations. This  brings up the question of whether or not ATT would have a positive impact on in acute care situations. The proposed study will be to conduct a pilot study introducing  an animal visitation program to an elderly hospitalized population in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the speed of recovery. Background: The history of AAT  is extensive as the first recorded use of animals in therapy occurred in 1792, when animals were used to "improve the attitude of mental patients" and Florence Nightingale wrote in  1860 that a "small pet is often an excellent companion to the sick" (Macauley, 2006, p. 357). Theory: The underlying theoretical framework could be drawn from Jean Watsons Theory  of Human Caring, as ATT indicates a holistic approach to care that is in keeping with this philosophical framework. Importance to Nursing: While ATT has been used in a  variety of settings for a variety of purposes, there is limited empirical research documenting its effectiveness. Macauley (2006) reports that six studies on the effect of ATT on psychiatric  disorders is particularly revealing about the possible benefits of this type of intervention. Macauley also indicates 3 studies that were performed within the context of acute care environments, but these  are all older than 5 years so they were not consulted for this example paper. However, the fact that this topic has not been explored extensively or recently indicates its